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Reflections on the Class of 1999 Convocation

Fall convocation is only a few days away, with the ceremonies scheduled for October 2nd and 3rd. The Class of 2017 will walk across the stage to accept their degrees, marking the culmination of a rigorous academic journey.

Graduations signify passages and transitions, of moving forward and of accepting new ventures and challenges.

“On behalf of the University Senate, we hereby attest that Dalhousie University has awarded the degree of…”

The emotions of gratitude and anticipation mingle together as graduates join the ranks of a vibrant alumni community. Even so, there is a wistful look back over the miles travelled since the arrival of the first textbooks.

On the eve of a new millennium, the Class of 1999 was the first to achieve the degree, MBA (Financial Services).

Over the summer months, I reached out to those who witnessed the graduation ceremonies under the banner of the Office of External Graduate Program. The inaugural convocation of the MBA(FS) was a profound and moving experience for the students, but also for those who were applauding from the sidelines.

Joseph A. Macdonald

Convocation 1999 remains top-of-mind to this day. I recall the following observations made that eventful evening. I have never been one to attend my own graduations. For me, the educational process had always been about getting the information and the designation and moving on to the next stage of life. However, my commitment to attending the MBA (FS) graduations was 100%.

Since the 1996 beginnings, our administration team had shared our students’ journeys professionally and personally. We spent time reassuring them, tutoring them, listening to their challenges and even providing a shoulder when times were especially tough.

As I stood on the corner of the graduation stage and watched each of these dedicated individuals shake the Chancellor’s hand and receive their parchment from the Registrar, I was touched, to my core, with a sense of pride that comes from watching a sibling, a close friend or one’s own child graduate. This was a far stronger and deeper feeling than anything that I had experienced following my personal achievements.

It was obvious that this group of individuals would go on to achieve much. And they have.

Michelle Hunter

Great reflection piece, Joseph. While I was fairly new to the MBA FS program team, I felt a real connection right away with the class of 1999. To this day, I beam with pride and get goose bumps as I watch graduates walk across the stage to receive their degree.

Morven Fitzgerald

I agree with Joseph and Michelle. I feel like my children are graduating. Every convocation leaves me with a warm fuzzy (and sad as they say goodbye) feeling.

Congratulations to the graduating Class of 2017. We are proud of your success and wish for you the very best in your future endeavours.

Comments

The Dalhousie Financial Services MBA experience is something I will always remember fondly. The challenge, camaraderie, friendships and sense of accomplishment once we all reached the finish line is something that I am thankful I experienced. Thanks to all of the great people associated with this program that I met along the way.

I agree wholeheartedly, John! It has been 14 years since I walked across the stage to receive my MBA(FS). Those few steps marked the culmination of a marvelous academic journey that continues to influence my thinking and participation within our global community.

Sometimes, when I think back on the challenge of being in such a demanding time in our careers, often with young families, and then tackling the added layer of a distance MBA in a brand new program, I realize what a tremendous achievement and milestone was truly represented by this class. It’s funny what gets remembered: how critical using the Internet at a 26,400 dial-up was to gather information we used for our research, that I used Lotus 1-2-3 for my Finance IRR calculations and thinking it was such an amazing thing, and that using Mini-Tab for Quants versus the manual calculations I’d done in my undergrad seemed like wildly surreal improvements in learning. What is most remembered through all of this though has been the people. Smart, interesting, results-oriented people who also managed to maintain their sense of humor despite what a crazy task this seemed…and many who I have kept touch with to this day, and consider dear friends…. Even those I don’t see or hear from, will always have a very special place in my heart, for everything they meant to be there at that cross-roads in time.

This was truly a milestone in my life. Completing the program and looking forward to convocation is something I will never forget. On the journey, I not only made great friends and we helped each other along the way.
Thanks for the memories!